Disneyland set to loosen mask rules. Here’s what to know if you’re planning a trip
Disneyland is starting to ditch face masks — but you’ll still want to have one with you.
The California theme park will loosen its mask requirements starting Thursday, Feb. 17.
Until then, all Disneyland and Disney California Adventure tourists over the age of 2 were required to wear a face mask at all times while indoors, even if they were vaccinated against COVID-19. That meant people needed to mask up on many rides, on shuttles and buses, and while entering the park.
Going forward, however, that won’t always be the case. Disneyland is dropping the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated guests.
Masks will still be required for people who are not vaccinated against the coronavirus.
“Face coverings are required for unvaccinated Guests (ages 2 and older) in all indoor locations, including throughout indoor attractions and indoor queues,” Disneyland said.
People who are vaccinated, however, will still want to have a face mask with them. Everyone will still be required to wear a mask on shuttles and in “health settings,” which include places like a first aid building.
No one will be required to wear a mask outdoors.
“At this time, based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin, triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings,” Disneyland said.
The theme park doesn’t require guests to show proof of vaccination, according to KTLA. Disneyland officials do not say how they will tell who will need to wear a mask based on the new rules.
Other California theme parks also plan to loosen their mask guidelines for guests as the state drops its universal mask mandate, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The requirements will depend heavily on what county the theme park is in, according to the Southern California News Group.
Fully vaccinated guests at Knott’s Berry Farm in Orange County won’t be required to wear masks indoors. SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California will also drop their indoor mask requirements for those who are vaccinated, the news outlet reported.
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood will require everyone to wear face masks indoors, Southern California News Group reported.
As COVID-19 mask mandates begin to loosen, however, experts say people should think twice before ditching their masks, McClatchy News reported.
People should consider the location, crowd size and their own situations before deciding to go without a mask, experts said.
“We probably are going to have to go back to wearing masks multiple times throughout all of this,” Dr. Erica Johnson told CNN. “And I think we should be wearing masks right now, to be frank, but the time will come where we don’t need them.”
This story was originally published February 16, 2022 at 7:42 AM with the headline "Disneyland set to loosen mask rules. Here’s what to know if you’re planning a trip."